Tom Brown is making significant strides in his football development with Richmond during the early stages of the 2024 season.

The highly-skilled, 20-year-old defender produced the best performance of his fledgling AFL career in the Tigers’ Gather Round clash with St Kilda at Adelaide’s Norwood Oval.

He had 18 disposals, 10 contested possessions, four marks, a team-high nine intercepts, five tackles and 354 metres gained in what was just his fourth appearance at the game’s highest level.

Brown’s kicking throughout the match was a major highlight, with one particular pass to teammate Dustin Martin in the second quarter underlining his sheer class.

Another teammate, Tim Taranto, paid tribute to Brown in a post-game interview with Richmond Media last night.

“He’s been unreal the last two weeks and he’s come out of himself a bit. He’s talking out there on the field, which is great for a young player,” Taranto said.”

“His skills obviously are really good and he’s winning his one-on-ones.

“It’s been unreal seeing him go so well.”

In three senior games with the Tigers this season, Brown is averaging 13.7 disposals, 6.7 contested possessions, 3.3 marks, 7.3 intercepts and 279.7 metres gained.

Among AFL rising star contenders, he is ranked second in total intercepts, third in contested marks per game, fifth in metres gained per game, sixth in contested possessions per game and ninth in rebound-50s per game.